ODIA CALENDAR

MAGHA (JANUARY-FEBRUARY)

Magha month in the Hindu calendar falls between January and February. It is considered an important month for several reasons in Hinduism.

Basanta Panchami is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Magha. Basanta Panchami is the festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati who is the Goddess of knowledge, music, language, and arts. In the state of Odisha, the festival is also known as Sri Panchami and Saraswati Puja. Pujas and Homas (fire sacrifice) are done in schools and colleges across the state. Students celebrate Saraswati Puja with great sincerity and devotion.

Magha Saptami is celebrated in Odisha on the seventh day (Saptami) in the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month Magha. This is an auspicious day dedicated to Sun God. The famous and colourful festival at Chandrabhaga that results in grand congregation of pilgrims from different parts of the world is celebrated during this period. The pilgrims take a holy dip at the Chandrabhaga Tirtha near the sea and welcome the rising Sun with prayers. It is believed that a dip in the Chandrabhaga on Magha Saptami cures all illness, and the spiritual benefit is compared to that off taking a dip in the holy Ganga.

Makara Sankranti is celebrated in the month of Magha. This festival is dedicated to the Sun God Surya. Makara Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into Makara Rashi (Capricorn). From this day, the days start becoming longer and warmer and thus the chill of winter declines. On this day, people of Odisha prepare 'Makara Chaula' and offer to Gods and Goddesses. Makara chaula is uncooked newly harvested rice mixed with banana, coconut, jaggery, sesame, rasagola and Khai/Lia. In Jagannath Temple at Puri this festival is observed as Uttarayana Yatra of Lord Jagannath and devotees offer makara chaula to the presiding Deities.

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. On this day devotees do fast, Rudra Abhishek, and worship Lord Shiva to seek his blessings. In Odisha, Maha Shivaratri is also known as 'Jagara'. Devotees of Lord Shiva fast whole day for their wishes and take food after Mahadeepa (the great diya) rises at the top of Shiva temples. It is usually held during mid-night. Shivaratri is celebrated as the anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is also celebrated as a day when Shiva saved the world from the pot of poison. It is also believed that those people who perform puja, fast, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva are blessed with good luck.

Below we have provided the Odia calendar for January and February months of the year, you can check Sunrise and Sunset times, dates of Purima and Amavasya, all the important dates for marriage, thread ceremony and as well as dates of other festivals.

JANUARY MONTH ODIA CALENDAR